Tom Haberstroh

(3:00 PM)

Greetings! Just another quiet June afternoon in the NBA. Everyone's focused on the World Cup and ...

Tom Haberstroh

(3:00 PM)

OH.

Jim (Seattle)

What's the significant of Lebron opting out before Wade/Bosh made their choices?

Tom Haberstroh

(3:02 PM)

I wouldn't read too much into it. Players (especially those in the Finals) are on vacation this time of year and operate on different schedules. I was surprised to see the timing, but not the decision.

Jeff (NY)

With LeBron opting out today, does that make it more or less likely that Carmelo comes to Miami?

Tom Haberstroh

(3:04 PM)

More. The crack in the door inches slightly more open.

Bob (Seattle)

Can every ESPN article about LeBron's impending free agency please include a link to Dan Gilbert's letter to LeBron from after The Decision? HE'S NOT GOING BACK TO CLEVELAND!!

Tom Haberstroh

(3:05 PM)

Bob from Seattle doesn't hide his Heat fandom well.

Jeff (NYC)

Your predictions on who ends up where: LeBron, Melo, KLove?

Tom Haberstroh

(3:05 PM)

Miami, New York, Golden State.

Mark (Chicago)

If LeBron threw out the money factor and was solely focused on winning rings NOW, outside of Miami, couldn't we argue the Bulls are in one of the best positions to offer that?

Tom Haberstroh

(3:06 PM)

If you can guarantee me that Derrick Rose is healthy, sure. But that's not reality. Also, I'm not sure LeBron James is ready at this stage in his career to play 5,000 minutes under Tom Thibodeau.

Knicksfan (New York)

Given the Knicks extreme limitations this offseason. Will they even attempt a run/ recruit at Lebron?

Tom Haberstroh

(3:08 PM)

I think if they make an attempt on luring LeBron, it'll go something like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rh2fn01cngg

Ted (Houston)

Is there any realistic option the Rockets have to unload Jeremy Lin's contract? Do you see the team re-signing Chandler Parson's or using him as sighn-and-trade bait?

Tom Haberstroh

(3:10 PM)

Yes. The Rockets are a darkhorse in the LeBron sweepstakes if they can move Lin and Asik contracts. Which they can probably do if they call up an under-cap team like the Sixers and offer future assets. With regard to LeBron, the Rox can offer what the Heat don't have: young star (Harden), defensive monster at center (Dwight Howard) and young, proven roster. They're the anti-Heat. Whether that is a good thing in the eyes of LeBron or not...

Mike (Akron, OH)

Tom, I'm sorry you have to have this chat on such a mundane NBA offseason day, with nothing newsworthy happening for us to talk about.

Jonathon (Austin, TX)

What do you think the chances of Lebron returning to Cleveland *would have been* had Dan Gilbert apologized for the Letter?

Tom Haberstroh

(3:13 PM)

No "my bad" can undo that letter. As unprofessional as it gets.

Drew (NC)

Please humor me: If LeBron and Melo teamed up in Philly next year, wouldn't they be the clear cut East favorites? MCW/Exum/Melo/Bron/Noel.. I don't know cap specifics but wouldn't this make them the heavy favorite?

Tom Haberstroh

(3:14 PM)

Nah.

Tony (Philadelphia)

Is Jabari a lock at the Number 2 spot?

Tom Haberstroh

(3:16 PM)

Who says he's not going No. 1? In horse-betting parlance, I'd pick Jabari Parker to place on draft night.

Tim (AZ)

Realistically, Lowry could be a get in Miami if all guys opt out. Would Gasol be possible with a rather large pay cut? He already has made 100+ million.

Tom Haberstroh

(3:18 PM)

I don't think that's realistic, no. I am a huge Kyle Lowry fan, but I don't think the Heat's Big Three are taking a huge paycut for a temperamental, injury-rattled point guard. They should be eyeing a big man to bolster the paint alongside Chris Bosh. Problem is, there are slim pickings in free agency on that front.

Tom Haberstroh

(3:20 PM)

Danny (Boston)

Why do "insiders" keep falling for the TWolves narrative of wanting a proven star. Are they really this easy to manipulate?

Tom Haberstroh

(3:21 PM)

I don't think narrative means what you think it means. Timberwolves have every right to want a proven star. This is Negotiations 101.

Mitch (Michigan)

Embiid to the Celtics at 6?? or is that too risky...

Tom Haberstroh

(3:22 PM)

Considering the payoff of a typical No. 6 pick is dramatically worse than a top-five pick, I think the Celtics would be thrilled with a player of that ceiling.

Tom Haberstroh

(3:24 PM)

For more on that ... read Bradford Doolittle's recent piece that features my DRAFT Initiative work: http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/10758663/examining-expected-production-every-slot-nba-draft

Michael W. (Houston, TX)

Did I see correctly? I forgot who it was, posted a link (that I couldn't click) mentioning you and he speaking Portuguese (and someone, of course, assuming it was a very weird Spanish)? If so, glad to know another dude who speaks it; and how did you acquire it? (Or did I TOTALLY mix your name up with some other dude?)

Tom Haberstroh

(3:28 PM)

Yes! That was great. I was jokingly ripping my man Zach Harper on Twitter for jumping on the Brazil bandwagon for the World Cup. And someone thought I was butchering the Spanish language. Welp. I used to live in Sao Paulo when I was a kid, so I picked up a little Portuguese, but not anywhere near fluent. One of my biggest regrets...

Tim (AZ)

Is Paul Pierce hungry enough to take a minimum deal to win in Miami? And would that make KG's head explode?

Tom Haberstroh

(3:30 PM)

Wait, can we get this straight? Is chasing rings a matter of hunger or cowardice? Which is it? Or does your interpretation change if it helps/hurts Your Team?

Tom Haberstroh

(3:31 PM)

Until James Dolan buys the Nets ... Knicks.

Anthony (NY)

Who is in a worse position for the future, Knicks or Nets?

Adam (Philly)

who do you take at 3 if your the sixers? and 10?

Tom Haberstroh

(3:32 PM)

Best player available, regardless of position. MCW is a good player, but not good enough to draft around him.

Hugo (VA)

% that Lebron leaves the heat? 40? 60?

Tom Haberstroh

(3:33 PM)

I'd say closer to 20%.

Jacob Collins (Brooklyn)

Is Bill Simmons right? That it wouldn't be hard for the Clippers to unload the contracts of Deandre Jordan (MIP candidate) Jamal Crawford (reigning sixth man of the year with a team opt clause in contract) and Jared Dudley (can be packaged with Reggie Bullock or a future first) to make a run at LeBron...

Tom Haberstroh

(3:36 PM)

They can do it. Shedding DJ's salary is a hayooge gamble, however, considering LeBron's no lock to go there. If he decides to go back to Miami ...

Kip (Work)

Chances Miami moves on from Bosh and replaces him with Melo as a true small ball 4? Still would need a rim protector tho...

Tom Haberstroh

(3:37 PM)

I'd say 1%. Heat love Bosh.

Bradley (Atlanta)

What's it like to work with former Celtic's coach, Chris Ford?

Tom Haberstroh

(3:38 PM)

o_O

Owen (Larchmont)

If Carmelo leaves, do the Knicks have room available to sign ant second tier FAs, or are they still over the cap?

Tom Haberstroh

(3:39 PM)

Still over.

Cain (Tempe)

Tom. chances LB leaves?

Tom Haberstroh

(3:40 PM)

Scroll down. (Or up? I dunno).

Ryan (PA)

Do you think GS ends up throwing Thompson into the Love trade?

Tom Haberstroh

(3:43 PM)

Yes. Kevin Love is a franchise player. Klay Thompson is a solid piece with overrated scoring abilities. I suspect GSW will cave eventually.

Monty (Miami)

What team should I root for now that Lebron is leaving Miami? I'm not cheering for no losers!

Tom Haberstroh

(3:45 PM)

If Marlins win tonight, they're above .500!

Jason (Milwaukee)

Better fit for Bucks: Wiggins or Parker?You are GM of the Heat. What do you do this offseason?

Tom Haberstroh

(3:48 PM)

Wiggins. You don't consider fit at No. 1 | I get Pat Riley in the room to convince LeBron James to stay, move Wade to the bench, increase Bosh's role and hope they take less money so they have more means to go younger.

Gullible (San Antonio, TX)

Can you tell me anything about these draft and stash guys the Spurs have coming over next year, Etan Strauss and Tomas Haberstra?

Tom Haberstroh

(3:52 PM)

Studs. Almost as valuable as Pop's new coaching protege, Dean Del Hassan.

Paul (Salt Lake City)

With the potential for draft day to be crazy, what scenario would blow your mind?

Tom Haberstroh

(3:54 PM)

If I could dream it up, how could it blow my mind?

Scott (Westminster, CO)

You're starting a franchise. Would you rather recruit Riley to be GM, or Pop to be the coach?

Tom Haberstroh

(3:57 PM)

Great question. I'd go with Pop because he can play a role on the court and off. Side note: I'm not sure I'd go with guys in their late 60s to start a franchise. Would they be willing to put up with the growing pains?

Mike (CT)

Wade to the bench for one bad finals series?!?!? Stop trying to turn him to Manu...I'm sure he's gonna come back next year and play at a high level

Tom Haberstroh

(3:58 PM)

I've been saying this loooong before the 2014 Finals. http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/2013/story/_/page/PerDiem-130611/heat-move-dwyane-wade-bench

Anthony (San Antonio)

Cool video you and Elhassan made at the Riverwalk!

Tom Haberstroh

(4:01 PM)

Thanks! All credit should go to Jade Hoye, the mad genius/producer. And the Riverwalk scene for entertainment material.